The Sunday Survival Buzz – Volume 25

Welcome to this week’s Sunday Survival Buzz – a roundup of preparedness news, tips, articles and recommendations from around the web. But first, an update on my own preps.

In a word, I did not do much. I did package up a supply of heirloom seeds in those small Mylar zip lock bags I purchased a few weeks ago. In addition, I updated the inventory of my stored foods.

Instead of prepping, I have been busy writing as you may seen for the special report yesterday on my interview with FEMA (which I termed, the FEMA Faceoff).

But enough about me. Let’s get on to the Sunday Survival Buzz, albeit a bit abbreviated this week.

Survival News Bytes and Articles

Temp jobs become a permanent way of life for some: No surprise here. In spite of the so-called economists claiming we are in recovery, if you are either not working, working a part time job, or working at a minimum wage job, you are not being counted in this so-called recovery. And employers? Why create permanent jobs with benefits when there is a waiting list of people willing and able to fill the temp jobs.

Don’t Get Locked out at the Next Blackout: I actually have a bit more to say about the use of remote controls but that can wait for another time. This article by fellow blogger extraordinaire, Bernie Carr, describes a situation that could happen to any of us. In her case, she was locked out of her apartment building but let me ask you this: can you get into or out of the garage at your home without a remote?

Backdoor Survival Tips

Have the jar attachment for your FoodSaver vacuum sealer? If so, here is a another tip for you.

When you are done packaging your dry goods in jars, buckets or Mylar bags, seal up the unused oxygen absorbers so that they say viable for use on another day. As you may know, if the unused oxygen absorbers are left exposed to air, they will soak up oxygen from the air, turn brick like and be of no use to you.

BTW, most packages of oxygen absorbers include little pink pills that turn blue when the oxygen absorber is no longer good.

You are going to love this book. It starts with a look back in time at Zippos and moves on to oil lamps and Coleman lanterns. There is lots of DIY and make it yourself ideas but mostly it is a primer on what work and what does not when attempting to provide reliable and safe light in a grid down situation.

I asked Ron Brown, the author if he has something he wanted to say to my readers. Here is his response:

At the beginning of July 2012 there was a “derecho” weather event that swept the U.S. Midwest and left 4 million homes without power. A month later, at the end of July, half of India lost power. India has a billion people. It was the largest-ever power failure in human history. As we speak (August 7), my in-laws in the Philippines are standing in knee-deep water inside their house due to torrential rains; in the dark in knee-deep water. All of Manila is flooded, even the US Embassy.

I sincerely wish that EVERYONE understood the information contained in this book. It would make life so much easier for so many people.

As with all of my sponsors, please pay them a visit and let them know you saw them on Backdoor Survival. Speaking of which, check out the new Sponsors page. (And if you know someone interested in advertising on Backdoor survival, have them drop me a line.)

Recommendations & Announcements

Perhaps I missed it before but I just noticed that Todd at the Prepper Website has put up a video tour of his site on YouTube. It is worth a look (and in July, Backdoor Survival was the Prepper Website ”Website of the Month”.

The Backdoor Survival Shelf Reliance Online Party

Calling all of you Shelf Reliance and Thrive fans out there. I am hosting a virtual, online Shelf Reliance party with discounted party prices and some special packages not normally found at the Shelf Reliance site. Hint: cheaper than Costco, even with modest shipping charges.

And yes, as with all Shelf Reliance party hosts and hostess, I do earn product as a small reward for my efforts. If you love Shelf Reliance and THRIVE, I hope you will shop with me!

Today on Strategic Living

Just a quick mention that the FEMA article from yesterday is also being posted on Strategic Living today. Lots more to come from George and myself at the Strategic Living site . . . stay tuned.

Update on the Five Flags

Last week I mentioned that I has listened to the first module of the Absolute Rights Five Flags series titled “Flag #1: Second Citizenship and Passports”. I was so impressed that I sat down and listened to it again with Survival Husband in tow. To tell the truth, I never gave much thought to the importance of having a passport even though I have had – and used – mine for over 15 years. But a second passport? Well, if you at all interested, you might want to check it out.

Here is a hint if you do not want to listen to the entire video. Cancel out and say you want to stay on the page rather than leave it. You will be able to read through a description of the series which, last time I checked, was only $47.

The Final Word

I started writing this week’s Sunday Survival Buzz thinking I would keep it short and sweet. H ha . . . the joke is on me. That said, I want to let you know that I am mad as hell over the kiss-off I received from FEMA. My antenna are up and I am thinking that something – I do not know what – is going on. And coming from a quite ordinary, responsible and hard-working prepper lady, that is saying a lot.

Enjoy your next adventure through common sense and thoughtful preparation!

Related Articles:

From the Bargain Bin: Is your food storage house in order? If you purchase and package your own foods for the long term, these items will give you a good start.

Mylar bags & Oxygen Absorbers: What I love about Mylar bags and oxygen absorbers is they protect against every single one of the food storage enemies. Prices do vary but for the most part, they are inexpensive and easy to keep on hand. And while you can seal them up with a FoodSaver, some tubing and a common clothes iron, I find it infinitely easier with a cheap hair straightening iron that you can pick up $20 or less.

60 – 300cc Oxygen Absorbers: This is one area where you want to make sure you are getting a quality product. Currently, a pack of 60 (in three 20 unit packs) is about $10 with free shipping- this is about $5 less than normal and a fabulous deal.

Mylar Zip seal Food Storage Bags: These are the zip seal bags that I used to package up my butter powder. These are extra heavy, 5 mil bags. I found that the zip feature made packaging extra easy. The jury is still out as to whether the zip feature is worth the extra cost.

FoodSaver Vacuum Sealer: As long as the unit has an accessory port (and this one does), and inexpensive FoodSaver will work just as well as the fancier models. That is my two cents, at least.

FoodSaver Jar Sealer: Already have a FoodSaver? If so, check out this jar sealer which can be used to vacuum seal your Mason jars. This is a great option for short to mid term storage of items such as beans, rice, sugar and salt. Store your jars in a cool, dark place and you are set with the added advantage of removing a small amount for current use without having to disrupt your large Mylar bag or bucket of food.

Are you a fan of Shelf Reliance and Thrive products? Backdoor Survival is hosting a virtual, online Shelf Reliance party with discounted party prices and some special packages not normally found at the Shelf Reliance site.

One of the best deals is a dozen cans of chicken for $303.89. THRIVE Freeze Dried Chicken makes a delicious addition to salads, sandwiches, pizzas, casseroles, and more. Here is a link to the Backdoor Survival Shelf Reliance Online Party page.

Yumm . . . strawberries. This month Emergency Essentials is featuring 28% off on their Freeze-Dried Strawberries. These are the real thing, naturally sweet with with no sweeteners or additives. A #10 can is now $14.99 instead of the normal $20.95.

Connect with Me

MEET GAYE

I'm Gaye, just an ordinary gal trying to make sense of our changing world. I am addicted to prepping, DIY projects, adult coloring books, and ballroom dancing. I live what I call a strategic life and believe you should too. Everyone needs to prepare for the worst and live for the best. Won't you join me?

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